PS3 Specs

[Shockeye]

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to Launch Its Next Generation Computer Entertainment System, in Spring 2006
Monday May 16, 7:30 pm ET 
Unrivaled Performance With the Introduction of Cell Processor and Many Advanced Technologies, and Backwards Compatible With PlayStation(R) and PlayStation(R)2


LOS ANGELES, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- At a press conference held in Los Angeles, California, today, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) revealed the outline of its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, incorporating the world's most advanced Cell processor with super computer like power. Prototypes of PS3 will also be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the world's largest interactive entertainment exhibition held in Los Angeles, from May 18th to 20th.
PS3 combines state-of-the-art technologies featuring Cell, a processor jointly developed by IBM, Sony Group and Toshiba Corporation, graphics processor (RSX) co-developed by NVIDIA Corporation and SCEI, and XDR memory developed by Rambus Inc. It also adopts BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc ROM) with maximum storage capacity of 54 GB (dual layer), enabling delivery of entertainment content in full high-definition (HD) quality, under a secure environment made possible through the most advanced copyright protection technology. To match the accelerating convergence of digital consumer electronics and computer technology, PS3 supports high quality display in resolution of 1080p(*) as standard, which is far superior to 720p/1080i.

With an overwhelming computing power of 2 teraflops, entirely new graphical expressions that have never been seen before will become possible. In games, not only will movement of characters and objects be far more refined and realistic, but landscapes and virtual worlds can also be rendered in real- time, thereby elevating the freedom of graphics expression to levels not experienced in the past. Gamers will literally be able to dive into the realistic world seen in large screen movies and experience the excitement in real-time.

In 1994, SCEI launched the original PlayStation® (PS), followed by PlayStation®2 (PS2) in 2000 and PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) in 2004, every time introducing the latest advancement in technology and bringing innovation to interactive entertainment software creation. Over 13,000 titles have been developed by now, creating a software market that sells more than 250 million copies annually. PS3 offers backward compatibility enabling gamers to enjoy these enormous assets from PS and PS2 platforms.

PlayStation family of products are sold in more than 120 countries and regions around the world. With cumulative shipments reaching more than 102 million for PS and approximately 89 million for PS2, they are the undisputed leaders and have become the standard platform for home entertainment. After 12 years from the introduction of the original PS and 6 years from the launch of PS2, SCEI brings PS3, the newest platform with the most advanced next generation computer entertainment technology.

With the delivery of Cell based development tools that has already begun, development of game titles as well as tools and middleware are in progress. Through collaboration with world's leading tools and middleware companies, SCEI will offer full support to new content creation by providing developers with extensive tools and libraries that will bring out the power of the Cell processor and enable efficient software development.

Preparations are under way for launch of PS3 and new generation software in the spring of 2006.


     (*) 1080p/720p/1080i: "p" stands for progressive scan method, "i" stands
         for interlace method.  1080p is the highest resolution within the HD
         standard.

"SCEI has continuously brought innovation to the world of computer entertainment, such as real-time 3D computer graphics on PlayStation and the world's first 128 bit processor Emotion Engine (EE) for PlayStation 2. Empowered by the Cell processor with super computer like performance, a new age of PLAYSTATION 3 is about to begin. Together with content creators from all over the world, SCEI will accelerate the arrival of a new era in computer entertainment."


    Ken Kutaragi, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc..


    Supporting comments from third party developers and publishers
                                       (In alphabetical order of company name)

"With the new generation PlayStation platform, we can create "GUNDAM WORLD" with the quality no one has ever imagined. The philosophy, connecting millions of Cell together, makes reality get closer to the world of SF films. We are delighted to share the vision of Ken, ARCHITECT, Kutaragi."

Shin Unozawa, Managing Director, Leader, Game Software Group, President, Video Game Company, BANDAI CO., LTD.

"The PLAYSTATION 3 has us really excited! So much so in fact that we are already working our hardest to get Devil May Cry 4 out for this new platform. New hardware always yields more options for developers to create exciting and fresh gameplay experiences. I believe that the PS3 is one piece of hardware that will test the mettle of our development team and help us to create some of the most amazing games, limited only by our imagination."

Keiji Inafune, Managing Executive Officer, Research & Development Division,Capcom Co., Ltd.

"Each generation of PlayStation has made a dramatic improvement in how we create and play videogames. PLAYSTATION 3 will be a breakthrough in how the world experiences entertainment. EA is fully aligned with Sony Computer Entertainment -- we share their vision and applaud their success."

Larry Probst, Chairman and CEO, Electronic Arts

"President Kutaragi has thrown down a gauntlet. That gauntlet is called the PLAYSTATION 3. We here at Koei have gladly taken up the challenge, and are striving day and night to take full advantage of all the PS3's new possibilities. Our goal is to combine cutting-edge technology with a full range of artistic expression to deliver the ultimate form of entertainment, and please people everywhere."

Keiko Erikawa, Chairman & C.E.O., KOEI Co., Ltd.

"With the arrival of the next generation computer entertainment system PLAYSTATION 3, I believe it will be possible for graphic expressions, more beautiful than before, to coexist with more deep and evolved game play which utilize the Cell architecture. I also have high expectations for the evolution by the online features that will be enhanced. We will utilize the features of the new platform and will strive to create contents that will bring new excitement for our users world wide, so please have high hopes for Konami."

Kazumi Kitaue, CEO, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc

"Each time SCEI launches a console, the video games business moves to the next level. With PLAYSTATION 3 it looks as if it might be time for interactive entertainment to become, finally, the world's dominant artistic medium."

Sam Houser, President, Rockstar Games (Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.)

"We at Namco have used and will continue to use the advancements in audio- visual technology to deliver games that are not only appealing to the eyes and ears, but that stir emotions, speak to the heart, and remain in players' minds for years to come. We are confident that the PLAYSTATION 3 is an entertainment system that will enable us to do just that."

Shigeru Yokoyama, CT Company President, Namco Ltd.

"Next-generation hardware platforms will enable SEGA to create new game concepts that offer more immersive interactive experiences. SEGA continues to pursue the fusion of creativity and technology by publishing only the best, more innovative content to gamers around the world."


    Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer, SEGA Corporation
"Square Enix is extremely honored to have had the chance to provide you with this technical demonstration of what the Cell processor can bring to the PLAYSTATION 3 and the world of gaming. We are committed to fully backing SCEI's new computer entertainment system and plans to bring the FINAL FANTASY series to the PS3 are just beyond the horizon."

Yoichi Wada, President, SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

"Ubisoft was one of the first major international developers to have its teams start focusing on next generation consoles. We are looking forward to developing outstanding games on Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s new system. Its powerful features will help take the industry to an even higher level in the very near future."


    Yves Guillemot, President and CEO, Ubisoft


     PLAYSTATION®3 Specifications
     Product name                          PLAYSTATION®3
     Logo                                  PLAYSTATION®3
     CPU                                   Cell Processor
                                              PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
                                              1 VMX vector unit per core
                                              512KB L2 cache
                                              7 x SPE @3.2GHz
                                              7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
                                              7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
                                              * 1 of 8 SPEs reserved for
                                               redundancy
                                              total floating point
                                               performance: 218 GFLOPS
     GPU                                   RSX @550MHz
                                              1.8 TFLOPS floating point
                                               performance
                                              Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2
                                               channels
                                              Multi-way programmable parallel
                                               floating point shader
                                               pipelines
     Sound                                 Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell-
                                            base processing)
     Memory                                256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz
                                           256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
     System Bandwidth                      Main RAM    25.6GB/s
                                           VRAM        22.4GB/s
                                           RSX         20GB/s (write) + 15GB/s
                                                        (read)
                                           SB          2.5GB/s (write) +
                                                        2.5GB/s (read)
     System Floating Point Performance     2 TFLOPS
     Storage         HDD                   Detachable 2.5" HDD slot x 1
     I/O             USB                   Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0)
                     Memory Stick          standard/Duo, PRO x 1
                     SD                    standard/mini x 1
                     CompactFlash          (Type I, II) x 1
     Communication   Ethernet              (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)
                                            x 3 (input x 1 + output x 2)
                     Wi-Fi                 IEEE 802.11 b/g
                     Bluetooth             Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
     Controller                            Bluetooth (up to 7)
                                           USB2.0 (wired)
                                           Wi-Fi (PSP®)
                                           Network (over IP)
     AV Output                             Screen size      480i, 480p, 720p,
                                                             1080i, 1080p
                                           HDMI             HDMI out x 2
                                           Analog           AV MULTI OUT x 1
                                           Digital audio    DIGITAL OUT
                                                             (OPTICAL) x 1
     Disc media     CD                     PlayStation®   CD-ROM
     * read only                           PlayStation®2  CD-ROM
                                           CD-DA            CD-DA (ROM), CD-R,
                                                             CD-RW
                                           SACD             SACD Hybrid (CD
                                                             layer), SACD HD
                                           DualDisc         DualDisc (audio
                                                             side), DualDisc
                                                             (DVD side)
                    DVD                    PlayStation®2  DVD-ROM
                                           PLAYSTATION®3  DVD-ROM
                                           DVD-Video        DVD-ROM, DVD-R,
                                                             DVD-RW, DVD+R,
                                                             DVD+RW
                    Blu-ray Disc           PLAYSTATION®3  BD-ROM
                                           BD-Video         BD-ROM, BD-R,
                                                             BD-RE


    About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) handheld entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.


     * Storage media (HDD, "Memory Stick", SD memory card, and CompactFlash)
       are sold separately.
     * "Dolby" is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
     * "DTS" is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
     * "CompactFlash" is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
     * "HDMI" is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.
     * "Blu-ray Disc" is a trademark.
     * "Bluetooth" is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
     * All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

     * "Memory Stick" and "Memory Stick PRO" are trademarks of Sony
       Corporation.
     * "PlayStation", the PlayStation logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks
       of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

[Strazos]

That's just fucking scarey....

I don't want to have to buy a Sony system to get the best games....

[stray]

But...You do want the best games right?

[Viin]

Just because the system looks shit hot doesn't mean the games will be any good.

Me likes Blue Tooth controllers. Yummy!

Edit:

Right now, the PS3 sounds better than the web camera faggery the Xbox360 is purporting.

Someone should make an emulator for PS3 that plays Xbox/Xbox360 games..

[Trippy]

Controller                             Bluetooth (up to 7)
                                           USB2.0 (wired)
                                          Wi-Fi (PSP®)
                                           Network (over IP)

Looks like Sony's copying Nintendo with their GC/GBA hookup thingy and allowing the PSP to act as the controller (and presumably secondary screen) in certain games.

GPU                                        RSX @550MHz
                                              1.8 TFLOPS floating point
                                               performance
                                               Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2
                                               channels
[...]
AV Output                             Screen size      480i, 480p, 720p,
                                                                 1080i, 1080p
                                            HDMI             HDMI out x 2

What the heck does that (the bolded items) mean? Is the PS3 going to support dual-screen output? Holy moley!

[schild]

The two important pictures:



Look mah, straight HDMI ports.



omfg sweet controller.

[Aenovae]

The black PS3 looks super sweet.  The controller looks like ass.  The PlayStation 3 logo uses the Spider-Man 2 font.

Sure, you can offload jobs to the SPE processors, but each one can only operate on 256 KB of memory.  So you have to manually break up your data into 256 KB chunks, copy a chunk to a SPE, do your calculations, then copy the results back into main RAM.  *sigh*

So the PS3 has inherited the exact same problems the PS2 had.  Hopefully Sony will provide a decent API and documentation this time around so programmers won't have such a hard time interacting with the hardware as they did with the PS2.  Yeah right.

[MrHat]

Holy.Fuck.

That's crazy shit.

Anyone else feel that to get the crazy realism (and to do the stuff that Aenovae said) that next-gen will put out, we'll be paying $74.99 to cover dev. costs?

I really hope that Microsoft causes Sony to compete in the online market with the whole 1 launch area to rule them all aspect.

[Aenovae]

I'm very glad to see better high-def resolutions on both the PS3 and Xbox 360, but these higher resolutions come at a price.

Every game worth talking about has frame rate issues - the developers have to optimize the hell out of their code to meet their FPS target (60 FPS or 30 FPS).  Games barely meet these speed targets at the standard resolutions (512x448 for PS2 and 640x480 for Xbox).  Switching to a high-def mode ups the resolution to as much as 1920x1080, which of course kills the game's framerate on current generation hardware.

In fact, it will kill the game's framerate on next-gen hardware too.  1920x1080 is approximately TEN TIMES as many pixels as 512x448.  PS3 games will struggle with framerate just as much as PS2, PS1, and N64 games did because developers are always trying to max out the hardware.  Developers will optimize the game for the standard resolution, not the high-def resolution.

So even though our fancy-schmancy PS3 games will support 1080p, no one will want to actually run at that resolution because of the noticable drop in framerate.

[Trippy]

I'm very glad to see better high-def resolutions on both the PS3 and Xbox 360, but these higher resolutions come at a price.

Every game worth talking about has frame rate issues - the developers have to optimize the hell out of their code to meet their FPS target (60 FPS or 30 FPS).  Games barely meet these speed targets at the standard resolutions (512x448 for PS2 and 640x480 for Xbox).  Switching to a high-def mode ups the resolution to as much as 1920x1080, which of course kills the game's framerate on current generation hardware.

In fact, it will kill the game's framerate on next-gen hardware too.  1920x1080 is approximately TEN TIMES as many pixels as 512x448.  PS3 games will struggle with framerate just as much as PS2, PS1, and N64 games did because developers are always trying to max out the hardware.  Developers will optimize the game for the standard resolution, not the high-def resolution.

So even though our fancy-schmancy PS3 games will support 1080p, no one will want to actually run at that resolution because of the noticable drop in framerate.

It is a legitimate concern. On the other hand, top-of-line PC gaming rigs can do 60+ frames per second at 1600 x 1200 (which is only slightly fewer pixels than 1920 x 1080) with AA turned on on start-of-the-art graphics engine games like Half-Life 2 and Doom 3.

Half-Life 2:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2278&p=10

Doom 3:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2146&p=3

[eldaec]

First thoughts are the box looks a hell of a lot nicer than the PS1/2, and the specs suggest I can look forward to PS3 ports onto the PC with a hell of a lot less trepidation than new-Xbox ports.

512Mb will hopefully mean loading zones can be a little more than 60-90 seconds long; and the availability of the highest resolution, while it might not be practical on the PS3 itself, should at least mean developers consider what their game will look like on higher resolutions - leading to better results when games are transfered to PC.

[Trippy]

What the heck does that (the bolded items) mean? Is the PS3 going to support dual-screen output? Holy moley!

To answer my own question, the PS3 will indeed support dual screen output:

http://anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2417&p=5

[AOFanboi]

http://anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2417&p=5

"Navigate the Cyber Space".

Hello! Sony! Wrong fucking century, "Cyber Space" is DEAD DEAD DEAD! Argh!

Question is, will the PS3 price point be where it's affordable for someone who actually can afford two HDTV sets?

[Miasma]

The two important pictures:

I don't understand the three identical looking ports on the right above the power switch.  Does it have three ethernet ports?

Edit - nevermind, I just read more of the first post.  One input two output.  That's interesting.

[Special J]

Yay! Farewell to this proprietary memory card bullshit!  Though now my wife is going to keep cursing me out when I steal the memory card from the camera.  Wonder if it'll take a USB drive too.

I like the look too. Has there been any indication of the price tag?  That could be really scary.

[Yegolev]

I don't want to have to buy a Sony system to get the best games....

Are you saying that this is not the current state of consoles?  Even if you like Halo[2] a whole lot, I don't think you can piss on the PS library.  I can't wait to put Bushido Blade in that fucker, but I'm a sick man.

The "missing" webcam will be the sold-separately Eye-Toy, I'm betting.

I don't know about that controller, but I was totallly afraid of the DualShock at first.  Now the SNES controller makes my fingers hurt just from looking at it.  I don't see a remote power switch, though.

[HaemishM]

I will only like that controller if the thumbsticks don't suck as much ass as the PS2 controller thumbsticks did. I prefer the X-Box controller that's so big, it needs its own zip code.

I also think I can pilot that controller into space.

[Tale]

That squared-off corner in the middle is going to be one of those impossible-to-clean things. Dust, grease and tiny bits of pizza will migrate there like lint to a navel, spawning a new species of bacteria and probably a PS3 corner-cleaning tool ($39.95, Sony proprietary design).

[Nija]

I look at stuff like this and I just can't roll my eyes hard enough.

256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz

 

[stray]

I look at stuff like this and I just can't roll my eyes hard enough.

256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz

 

Ghz, Ram -- Doesn't mean too much considering the architecture.

[MrHat]

..  I don't see a remote power switch, though.

Glad I'm not the only one jonesing for one of those.

What is the point of a wireless controller, if you still have to walk up to your tv to turn on your console.

[Paelos]

..  I don't see a remote power switch, though.

Glad I'm not the only one jonesing for one of those.

What is the point of a wireless controller, if you still have to walk up to your tv to turn on your console.

They'll release it in the package with an auto-loader for all your games, so you never get off your ass again.

[Strazos]

I don't want to have to buy a Sony system to get the best games....

Are you saying that this is not the current state of consoles?  Even if you like Halo[2] a whole lot, I don't think you can piss on the PS library.

Oh, but I think I CAN piss on the current Sony library. When I owned a PS2, I had all of ~5 games for it, because I DID NOT LIKE the rest of the library. The vast majority of the PS RPG library is just derivative Squeenix tripe. Beyond that, most of the "good games" also come out on xbox, but with better graphics and the ability to use a controller that isn't shit (I perfer the Wing, not the original controller).

Sorry, the PS library is more Quantity than Quality.

[Yegolev]

Oh, but I think I CAN piss on the current Sony library. When I owned a PS2, I had all of ~5 games for it, because I DID NOT LIKE the rest of the library.

I stand corrected.  Piss away, sir.  Hopefully those five Sony games were something non-shitty, but I'm not here to tell people what they should like and dislike.

[Strazos]

As usual, "best" is rather subjective.

[Yegolev]

As usual, "best" is rather subjective.

My avatar is prettier than yours.  Subjective?  Ask anyone on Nal Hutta.

[Viin]

I stand corrected.  Piss away, sir.  Hopefully those five Sony games were something non-shitty, but I'm not here to tell people what they should like and dislike.

Doesn't the charter for this site specifically state that it is here to tell people what they should and shouldn't like?


Honestly though, there's not a whole lot of games on the PS2 that I could justify buying a PS2 for .. like Strazos said, if you have an XBox a lot of the games for PS2 are also out on XBox. There are a few that are only for PS2, but it doesn't seem like there is enough. If someone wants to list all the good" games for PS2, I'd bet a good 3/4ths of them are also on the XBox.

Edit:

Forgot to mention, I'm mostly a PC guy so that might be my perspective. The only games I play on a console are generally driving games, fighting games, or Links. With the occasional RPG (KoToR, Fable).

[Yegolev]

Doesn't the charter for this site specifically state that it is here to tell people what they should and shouldn't like?

Honestly though, there's not a whole lot of games on the PS2 that I could justify buying a PS2 for .. like Strazos said, if you have an XBox a lot of the games for PS2 are also out on XBox. There are a few that are only for PS2, but it doesn't seem like there is enough. If someone wants to list all the good" games for PS2, I'd bet a good 3/4ths of them are also on the XBox.

Heh, whatever fluffs your skirt.  Just off the top of my head, some of the exclusives that I think are awesome:

Bushido Blade is the best vs fighting game ever made.  End of discussion.
Vagrant Story is an all-around fantastic CRPG, not at all like Final Fantasy despite being Square.  Somewhat like FF Tactics, but one character.  Style and substance in spades.
Twisted Metal 1 and Black define car combat.  Hours of fun in my house.
LaPucelle, Disgaea and Phantom Brave, if you thought Final Fantasy Tactics was a simple, shallow game.
Final Fantasy Tactics is also PS-only, I believe.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.  Some people like it.
Dark Cloud 2 is like four or five games in one.
Katamari Damacy.

Now, maybe you think those games are shitty or stupid, I don't know.  I consider them big plusses for the PS2.  Notice I didn't have to mention GoW.

[AOFanboi]

Bushido Blade is the best vs fighting game ever made.  End of discussion.
Vagrant Story is an all-around fantastic CRPG, not at all like Final Fantasy despite being Square.  Somewhat like FF Tactics, but one character.  Style and substance in spades.
Twisted Metal 1 and Black define car combat.  Hours of fun in my house.
LaPucelle, Disgaea and Phantom Brave, if you thought Final Fantasy Tactics was a simple, shallow game.
Final Fantasy Tactics is also PS-only, I believe.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.  Some people like it.
Dark Cloud 2 is like four or five games in one.
Katamari Damacy.

Plus

Ico
Rez (Okay, not exclusive, but few people have a Dreamcast anyway)
Frequency/Amplitude (silly Microsoft, there you have the Zen of gaming!)
Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (free-roaming platforming ftw)

at least.

[schild]

Microsoft is doing decently well with exclusives. Particularly with things like Ninja Gaiden and Phantom Dust. I really don't expect Square to be pushing more stuff out like Bushido Blade, Vagrant Story, and Tactics. As far as ICO goes, yes, Sony has no competition anywhere for that - or Wanda and the Colossus. The Nippon Ichi stuff has gotten shallower and shallower and their next game is even SHALLOWER. If you want deep tactics, pick up Dai Senryaku VII for the xbox. It makes the NIS stuff look like a joke (Forgot to mention, Stella Deus is Final Fantasy Tactics reborn, if you have a PS2 and like Tactics, just buy it).

The new Castlevania was announced yesterday to be coming out on the Xbox. This is the one made by the SoTN guy iirc.

Twisted Metal Black was terrible. TM1 was much better.

Dark Cloud II is one of the only games I've ever traded in. I don't have time to take 5,000 pictures in a game that may or may not be useful. I should have looked through the strategy guide before buying it just to see how much pointless shit is in it.

Katamari, Well, the PS3 wins. I think. Mizoguchi's Q and Mistwalker are making games for the 360. I'm excited about the Mistwalker game.

It'll be a good race and I won't be on the bench on either side. I plan on supporting both consoles heavily.

[Roac]

I don't see a remote power switch, though.

I'm wondering if that switch acts as sort of a master kill switch.  My surround sound works like that - there's a toggle power switch in the back, where turning it on only means that it will have enough power to run the IR port.  You still have to hit "power" on the remote (or the box) to actually turn the sound on.  I say that, because it seems more than a little short sighted to put the only power switch in the BACK of the unit.

[Pococurante]

Bah if the switch is on the front I want a locking slide cover.

Nothing jepardizes the next generation more than when poco-Pococurante decides to get Daddy's attention by turning the game off in mid-battle...

[Yegolev]

If you want deep tactics, pick up Dai Senryaku VII for the xbox. It makes the NIS stuff look like a joke (Forgot to mention, Stella Deus is Final Fantasy Tactics reborn, if you have a PS2 and like Tactics, just buy it)

I'll check that out.  I have a thing for headbending game mechanics.

I'll be getting all three consoles as well and I don't want to come off as defending a console or something else asinine.  I mostly just want people to be aware of what's out there so they can make informed decisions.

[schild]

If you want deep tactics, pick up Dai Senryaku VII for the xbox. It makes the NIS stuff look like a joke (Forgot to mention, Stella Deus is Final Fantasy Tactics reborn, if you have a PS2 and like Tactics, just buy it)

I'll check that out.  I have a thing for headbending game mechanics.

I'll be getting all three consoles as well and I don't want to come off as defending a console or something else asinine.  I mostly just want people to be aware of what's out there so they can make informed decisions.

We had a thread about the game somewhere. Anyway, it's $19.99 and subtitled "Modern Military Tactics." You can probably guess how deep it is from the title.

[Yegolev]

I don't see a remote power switch, though.

I'm wondering if that switch acts as sort of a master kill switch.  My surround sound works like that - there's a toggle power switch in the back, where turning it on only means that it will have enough power to run the IR port.  You still have to hit "power" on the remote (or the box) to actually turn the sound on.  I say that, because it seems more than a little short sighted to put the only power switch in the BACK of the unit.

The PS2 has an actual power switch in the back while the front one is a mode-control/reset, you know.  I figure the PS3 will have the same setup.  I'm mentioning the remote power switch because I read that the 360 will be on/off'able via the wireless controller.  That will, of course, actually be a mode-control switch as well; whether it will have a real power switch is guesswork unless we have a shot of the 360 backside.